Fear Not!

Have you ever felt that the world was against you, even your brothers and sisters in Christ? Have you ever been abandoned by the ones you love? Have you ever had someone turn their back on you? These are common life experiences. We all face trials and tribulations that, honestly, we don't understand. There are times in life where we just can't seem to see what lies ahead. We sometimes feel we have not future, that this day is going to be the last day because nothing has been quite right. Well, today has been one of those days for me. I was doing fine, then someone said something and completely changed how my day was going, how I was feeling. We (especially girls) can get so upset over the littlest things! This is when we need to look to Christ and let him take control. In my free hour of class, I decided to read through Isaiah 41. What an amazing chapter of Scripture! God is talking to the Israelites and over and over again, he says "fear not" or "be strong." Why should we fear not? Why should we be strong? Because God has already given us the victory. When we're oppressed by the world and even fellow Christians, give it to God and let him direct; let him slay the wicked; let him calm your heart.

"But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from the farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
"Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who are against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you" (Is. 41:8-13).